RV campgrounds near Gervais, Oregon cluster within a 30-mile radius, offering convenient access to the Willamette Valley and surrounding attractions. The area sits at elevations ranging from 150-250 feet, characterized by mild winters and warm, dry summers. Most campgrounds maintain level sites on primarily gravel surfaces with varying degrees of shade coverage depending on location.
What to do
River activities: 5 miles to Willamette River access from several campgrounds where fishing and boating opportunities abound. At Premier RV Resort, campers enjoy proximity to water recreation: "There is a nice open area, off leash pen and network of short trails for walking your dog," notes one visitor.
Shopping excursions: Under 1 mile to retail options from multiple RV parks. Portland-Woodburn RV Park provides exceptional convenience for shoppers: "You can walk to several restaurants and the outlet mall. There is a great laundry room, clean bathrooms and showers, pool, pet areas, and nicely paved, level, but crowded sites," according to a recent guest.
Urban exploration: 25-minute drive to Salem attractions including museums, parks, and dining. One camper at Premier RV Resort shared: "The park is clean, quiet and well maintained, but the sites are fairly short and narrow." Still, the strategic location makes it an ideal base for city exploration.
What campers like
Community events: Regular social activities offered at select campgrounds. At Portland-Woodburn RV Park, one long-term camper reported: "There are several specials during the month to include meals for a very inexpensive price as well as ice cream socials in nicer months. Terrific staff. Park neat and clean."
Convenient facilities: Modern amenities available at most parks in the area. Hee Hee Illahee RV Resort stands out for its comprehensive offerings: "The resort has laundry, which is clean, they have a wonderful pool and hot tubs," according to one satisfied visitor.
Pet-friendly environments: Designated dog areas at several parks. Roamers Rest RV Park receives praise for accommodating pet owners: "The staff was really nice, and they received all our Amazon pkgs with a smile," highlighting both pet accommodation and delivery service convenience.
What you should know
Seasonal price fluctuations: 10-15% higher rates during summer months at most parks. Winter stays typically offer better value and availability.
Variable internet connectivity: Service quality differs between locations. At Mt Hood Village Resort, one camper noted: "The Lodge has wifi, the rest of the park does not. The Lodge area has a small store with plenty of RV parts and snacks if you happened to forget something."
Site spacing concerns: Proximity to neighbors varies significantly. One guest at Roamers Rest RV Park observed: "The spaces are quite tight! Considering the location and appreciating the fact that they are one of very few RV parks in the Portland area, I can understand why."
Length-of-stay policies: Different rules apply for short versus long-term stays. Several parks offer monthly rates with discounts but require minimum stay commitments and deposits.
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Family-friendly activities available at select parks. Mt Hood Village Resort comes recommended: "There is a playground, swimming pool, small store, cafe, bathrooms with showers (and warm water) and activities during the day for kids," reports one family camper.
Safety considerations: Secured amenities for peace of mind. "The bathrooms were SPOTLESS and keyless/code entry, and it was almost like they were our private bathrooms," notes a guest who stayed at Premier RV Resort in one of their yurts.
Alternative accommodations: Cabins and yurts offer camping experience without equipment. Premier RV Resort provides impressive options: "We had a darling porch with bbq and picnic table, Keurig coffee maker, 2 bedrooms, dining table and living room too! Cable tv as well."
Tips from RVers
Arrival timing: Avoid peak traffic hours when navigating to campgrounds near I-5. Arrive between 1-3 PM for smoothest check-in experience and site selection.
Space management: Consider vehicle positioning due to site constraints at some parks. At Portland-Fairview RV Park, a visitor observed: "Very large and busy but has nice amenities," indicating that despite tight spacing, the facilities compensate for crowded conditions.
Utility connections: Bring adapters and extensions for hookups. "The sewer connections are not threaded, so you'll have to weigh down your sewer hose," advises an experienced RVer about Premier RV Resort, highlighting the importance of being prepared for varying connection types.
